Newcastle United have lost ground in the race to sign Club Brugge striker Wesley Moraes, with the striker now set to move to Aston Villa.
The 22-year-old had been watched and scouted by United, with a source close to the player claiming that direct contract had been made by Rafa Benitez over a move to Tyneside - and that the Premier League was Moraes' preference over a move to Serie A.
However, uncertainty over the proposed Bin Zayed takeover and Benitez's future means United have fallen behind in the chase for Moraes, and Chronicle Live has been told that his representatives are now 'moving forward with another situation', with a decision imminent.
Moraes was said to be 'excited' to work with Benitez, and the Spaniard was the main attraction at United.
It is understood that until Benitez's future is sorted, all significant transfer dealings - in and out - are on hold at United.
West Ham were linked with the Brazilian, but it is thought that Aston Villa are now in pole position with a source claiming that a deal to take the striker to Villa Park has been struck.
